About Morgan Rutter:

I’ve always been drawn to exploring the human condition. Growing up, I gravitated towards drawing and painting as a way to explore my internal world. While pursuing my bachelor’s degree, I focused largely on studying Existential Philosophy and Zen Buddhism because of the way they reckoned with the big questions — What does it mean to be a human being? How do I cope with a finite existence? How do I cope with the inevitability of suffering?

When I went to graduate school to become a therapist, I was drawn to other questions — Why do we repeat unhealthy patterns in relationships? Why do we self-sabotage? What do we truly want, and how do we create change?

I don’t claim to definitively know the “correct” answers to these questions, but I do believe I’m someone who approaches the world with a lot of curiosity and a lot of empathy for other people, because I know that being human isn’t easy. I'm also direct, warm, and occasionally funny.

I work primarily with adults navigating relationship patterns, attachment wounds, identity exploration, trauma, and addiction. The best predictor of success in therapy is the strength of the relationship we form together. In other words — we have to like each other! I encourage you to reach out and see if the vibe is right, and to trust your intuition. There's no forcing a good connection.

When I’m not in session, you can often find me making travel pinterest boards, cooking, drawing, watching my comfort shows (Gilmore Girls, 30 Rock, various reality TV dating shows, etc) .

I think pop-culture is fun, so I occasionally discuss it from a psychological lens on social media.

I also love spending time with my spouse and our two hilarious chihuahuas, Krampus and Freya.

I understand that our struggles don't exist in a vacuum. They're shaped by the larger systems we live within. Family dynamics, cultural expectations, gender roles, power structures, socioeconomic realities, and systemic oppression all influence mental health. Conversations about systemic and cultural realities are very welcome in therapy with me.

Trauma is not just an event or series of events, but something we carry with us. I recognize that we can carry trauma in a variety of ways-- physically, emotionally, cognitively, and behaviorally. I strive to create a safe and empowering environment where clients feel they can disclose their experiences and receive support. I'm also committed to life-long learning to best support my clients.

Research and my own clinical experience both indicate that the most significant factor of change in therapy is the quality of the relationship between therapist and client. Therefore, I strive to show up authentically, with empathy, and without judgment in session. I see my clients and myself as a team and see our work as collaborative.